Most countries’ citizens require a visa to travel to Canada. Canada’s Visa Policy Framework guides our decision-making regarding who may visit the country without a visa.
Visa decisions are based on comprehensive, individual country assessments that weigh the benefits of a visa exemption against the risks.
Among the most important factors that are considered are the safety of Canadians and the importance of maintaining integrity in our well-managed migration system.
Normally, Canada reviews a country’s visa requirement when conditions indicate that a positive outcome is likely.
Supplementary Messages
Visa policy framework
Canada welcomes visitors from across the world, and values the economic and cultural benefits they generate. Like most countries, Canada screens all visitors to protect the health, safety, and security of Canadians.
In general, visa requirements are the international norm. Similarly, in Canada, a visa requirement is the rule, not the exception.
Canada’s visa policy is not based on reciprocity. Canada’s visa actions are based on an individual country assessment of risks and benefits using objective criteria laid out in its Visa Policy Framework. Each country’s situation is different, and requires a unique, complex and comprehensive approach.
Supporting facts and figures
Visa exemption
There are currently 54 visa-exempt countries. Most visa-exempt travellers have to apply for a light touch, rapid electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air.
